On March 12th, Disney announced the closure of the four Walt Disney World theme parks (in addition to closure at Disney destinations around the globe including Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line) to promote safety of the Resort’s guests and cast members.
Originally, the closure was set to begin “at the close of business on Sunday, March 15th, through the end of the month,” March 31st, while Disney Resort hotels would remain open to guests through Friday, March 20th. EDITOR’S UPDATE on March 27th: Today, Disney has announced that Walt Disney World will be closed “until further notice.” Therefore, this post is updated to reflect cancellation and refund procedures in light of this extension of the closure.
Disney is providing information for concerned Walt Disney World guests who have already purchased park tickets, booked a Resort hotel, made Advance Dining Reservations, and more during the affected dates.
We’re taking a look at what guests who are currently in the process of adjusting travel plans are eligible for in regards to refunds or future use of already-purchased tickets, experiences, and more.
Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets
Disney has stated the following in regards to ticket purchases: “Unexpired multi-day theme park tickets with unused days, or date-specific theme park tickets with a start date on or before March 31, 2020 will automatically be extended to use any date through December 15, 2020. If you are unable to visit by December 15, 2020 you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.”
For guests who have purchased Florida Resident Discovery Tickets, they may be used through July 31, 2020.
Resort Hotel Stays For Dates During Original Closure
Guests who had booked a stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel for the originally affected dates (through the end of March) had the following options: “Guests who have not checked in for stays between March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020 may modify or cancel their Disney Resort room reservation or Walt Disney World Travel Company package up to their original check-in date.”
If no action is taken, Disney states that the company will “automatically process a refund to the original form of payment within seven days of the original check-in date.”
Note that it is advised that guests contact their travel professional if they did not make their booking directly through Disney.
Future Resort Hotel Stays
Perhaps your travel dates fall beyond the originally affected closure dates through the end of March, but your travel plans are now affected with the extension of the closure.
Disney will waive all Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees for guests wishing to cancel a Disney Resort hotel booking after the parks reopen up to the date of check-in through June 30, 2020.
Advance Dining Reservations
If you made an Advance Dining Reservation for a table service restaurant in Walt Disney World affected by the closure requiring a credit card guarantee, Disney states that you will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
Extra-Ticket Events
If you purchased tickets to an extra-ticket event taking place from March 16, 2020 through the closure, you will receive a refund automatically.
Extra-ticket events include Disney After Hours (and Disney Villains After Hours), and Disney Early Morning Magic.
Pre-paid Experiences
Pre-paid experiences in the parks include options such as Droid Depot at Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
If you have a pre-paid experience, it will be automatically refunded if it is scheduled between to take place during the closure period.
FastPasses
Though FastPass+ is a free service, guests may be interested to know that all FastPass+ ride reservations from March 16, 2020 through the closure period will be automatically cancelled, so no action is required on the part of the guest.
Disney World Annual Passes
ICYMI, Walt Disney World Annual Passes will be extended, per Disney, by the number of days the parks are closed. EDITOR’S UPDATE: On April 2, 2020, Disney announced that Annual Passholders will be eligible for partial refunds if they have already paid for their passes in full (should they so choose), and Annual Passholders on the monthly program will have payments waived during the closure. Find the full details here.
Walt Disney World Operations Statement
The information above is provided by Disney on the Walt Disney World website, where it has been noted that the closure is taking place in “an abundance of caution, and in the best interest of our Guests and Cast Members.”
We will continue to keep you posted on these and other developments today and moving forward.
We here at DFB have been tracking the steps that Disney has taken around the parks to promote the safety of guests and cast members. You can learn more about that here.
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B Richards says
Ok. Question. They say, “Guests who have NOT checked in for stays between March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020 may modify or cancel their Disney Resort room reservation or Walt Disney World Travel Company package up to their original check-in date.” I checked in a few weeks ago thinking that this was a go. Who knew. And what is meant by, “IF NO ACTION IS TAKEN, Disney states that the company will ‘automatically process a refund to the original form of payment within seven days of the original check-in date.” ? I’m a DVC member. I tried to call two of the numbers they gave but both have busy signals. I’ve received ZERO contact from them regarding my upcoming stay. I’m going as planned until I hear further from them. You would think that they would reach out with a chain email to those with reservations to give them information. I think it’s a horrible thing for them to do. They don’t have a problem sending, “Can’t wait to welcome you home!” and give you the countdown but as soon as something like this happens, this is when we really need them to not drop the ball. My stay is March 29th through the 31st and I’ve checked in. If I can cancel this trip, get my points back and let it go, I would, but I can’t reach anyone. I’ll still plan on the trip until I hear otherwise.
Sharon says
What about Cirque du Soleil tickets? I know they aren’t sold by Disney but is there any consideration there?
Susan Nelson says
I was able to reschedule our trip that was planned for 3/20 – 3/24/20 with no problem (we used the online check-in). Cast members were kind, friendly and very understanding.
Patrick says
I am in agreement with you. My res is 3/31 thru 4/6. Like you said, if I cancel my points put in holding expiring end of July. If I could cancel, my points put back so they can be banked and not in holding, I would do that instantly. I see this two week closure lasting longer.
DFB Sarah says
Sharon, we’re looking into this.
Whitney says
Can we check into a resort on the 30th for a stay? I know the parks would be closed the first two days, which is fine, but as long as hotels remain open we could check in? Correct?
B Richards says
This just came in as an email to me regarding DVC points and bookings. Here you go. Boom!
“The Disney Vacation Club Member Services team will continue to serve you during their regular operating hours. As we anticipate high call volume in the weeks ahead, we encourage you to visit disneyvacationclub.com for general information and kindly ask that you contact Member Services only if you need assistance with an existing reservation for a stay this month.
Note that, should you decide to cancel an impacted Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort stay – by phone or online, vacation points used for that resort reservation will be returned to your current use year, meaning they will not be placed in a holding account or forfeited. Similarly, cancelling an impacted Disney Collection reservation will return those reservation points to you immediately for your future use as reservation points.”
B Richards says
This just in:
The Disney Vacation Club Member Services team will continue to serve you during their regular operating hours. As we anticipate high call volume in the weeks ahead, we encourage you to visit disneyvacationclub.com for general information and kindly ask that you contact Member Services only if you need assistance with an existing reservation for a stay this month.
Note that, should you decide to cancel an impacted Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort stay – by phone or online, vacation points used for that resort reservation will be returned to your current use year, meaning they will not be placed in a holding account or forfeited. Similarly, cancelling an impacted Disney Collection reservation will return those reservation points to you immediately for your future use as reservation points.
Jeff says
Frankly they need to issue golden fastpases to everyone that already had them booked. Choosing to close was their decision and the should be more accountable for it
Christine says
I’m curious about the cirque show as well! Haven’t seen anything be published by them directly yet.
Jocelyn Ble says
You forgot another option being offered. You can still check in to your hotel!!
Nick says
Disney, should refund tickets in full. This is unforeseen event, with parks being closed. Disney should be processing full refunds… not just offering extension. Any lawyers that like to start a class action case…
Mike says
What about straight multi day passes. Being here from Chile we will not get back to WDW as it was a multi-generational outing planned that was to begin 14-Mar for 5 days. We will not be going back, especially in 2020 so each of us will lose approx. $500 USD? (x 13 members)
Charlene says
Cirque du Soleil. Post is from March 13th. I couldn’t find anything more recent.
https://allears.net/2020/03/13/answers-to-your-faqs-about-the-disney-world-and-disneyland-coronavirus-closures/
At this time, Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life has not cancelled any showings, as Disney Springs remains open. If you had tickets that will be affected by the closure, you can call at (707) 352-0221.
Drawn to Life
While we were told they cannot cancel and refund tickets, they mentioned that those with tickets affected by this closure should be able to reschedule for a future show.
Lynne Stables says
We are dvc members and have a holiday booked for mid May . Our use year is June and we must use them by 1st June however as UK residents we are currently banned from entering the US . How will dvc deal with this ? Will we lose our points ( considerable yearly cost now especially with the exchange rate) or will they look at these extenuating circumstances and allow us to put them in a holding account ? It is through no fault of ours if we cannot go .
Suzanne H says
Thank you for all of the great information. I paid for part of my disney vacation using Disney Gift Cards. Does this mean that the refund will credit the gift cards? I don’t even have all of them any more…
DFB Sarah says
Suzanne, we haven’t gotten a confirmation on this; Disney is saying they’re refunding to original forms of payment, though. You might want to try to reach out to Disney directly to see how they’ll handle it since you don’t have your cards.
DFB Sarah says
Lynne, you’ll want to talk to someone in DVC Member Services. The policies are still evolving for DVC, it seems.
DFB Sarah says
Mike, you’ll want to contact Disney directly. Hopefully there’s something in their policy that will help you avoid that loss.
Emily Jackson says
Hi there we were coming from Canada and had already purchased the 2 day Disney pass for 15 of us coming from all ends of the country to Florida, on March 27, 2020. We will not be able to re book as our daughter whom is Severely Disabled with Cerebral Palsy may not be able to travel again and are looking for a full refund. How would we go about this and is Disney refunding families whom have already paid out of pocket?
Jill barrett says
Hi we purchased tickets for Disney world for March we are from Australia and have had to fly home because of corona virus can you tell me how can we get refunded . Thanks jill
Jahnnette says
I have 3 day tickets only purchased for my family May 30 – June 1. We are canceling our trip. What can I do?
Ian Jones says
I was planning on visiting Disneyland California on 16th & 17th March and bought 2 day park tickets. I’m from the UK and probably won’t be able to make the trip to USA again, so need a refund. Spoke to a “cast member” who was so rude!! She told me she doesn’t make the policies. Have emailed a formal complaint but had no response
Inky says
I just called them and got a full refund for our 4 day tickets.
They might be making an exception for the situation.
Andrea says
What about if you’ve paid for upgraded Magic Bands? Will those be refunded? Thanks.
Glenn says
People, let’s get our priorities straight. Disney will make good on all claims. They don’t want to create bad will for their product. It may take some time for Disney to address every unique situation, but they will make good. For now, assume that you will not be able to go on your trip to Disney. For now, it’s recommended that you be informed by going to responsible sources for information on COVID-19, it’s spread, and how to protect yourselves and your families. Don’t assume that you won’t get the virus, but you can focus your attention and energy to surviving the pandemic so that you and your family can ALL enjoy a trip to Disney that will eventually happen. Disney is not closing permanently. Disney will remain closed until the virus is controlled. Instead of obsessing over Disney, put some energy into going to CDC.GOV and getting some REAL information as to how to survive. And let’s not forget while you angst over your vacation, there are Americans in severe distress.
Charlene says
Glenn, many people who have no income right now are stressing over buying groceries and paying the rent. If they have money tied up in a WDW vacation, they’ll be stressing over getting a refund.
Olivia says
UK visitor due to visit 04/09 for 2 weeks. Hotel and tickets with free DDP booked direct with WDW.
We are getting very little information other than the original ‘rebook before end of Dec 2020.
With the extended closure dates,
the fact I’m a nurse and needed at work , school holidays (when they go back) means we most likely won’t make it in the appointed time and really need a refund of the £7000 laid down so we can then take stock and rebook once this crisis has passed and we can make all the necessary arrangements again.
Do you know when we are likely to know if Disney are going to give straight refunds instead of ‘vouchers’ for future booking?
I know these are uncertain times, but just looking for a bit of clarity. Thanks
Shirley Moorer says
We purchased a one day pass for two last last year but was unable to use them until now. We scheduled a hotel for April 13th and planned to come to the park on April 14th, as our tickets expire April 15th. What can we do?
Esquecer. O. Ex. says
I’ve tickets for Abril 9th and won’t be able to reschedule anytime soon. My wife is pregnant and will take a couple of years for my family be ready to visit Disney again. Can I get a full refund for my tickets in that case?
Mary Kosloske says
I am a DVC member with a trip now rescheduled to May. No problem there BUT I was told that since my point year runs out on May 31st these points will be lost! The only possible way to keep them is to put them in RCI point system. You can then not use them for the park hotels and can only use them at other Disney owned properties around the world or in the USA. This is extenuating circumstances and I did not buy into Disney Vacation Club for this. I have explained this to a DVC rep and she told me I cannot put them into my next year as January has come and gone. She then told me “ and that is a hard NO even if I asked for a supervisor “! Will this change because I think due to the circumstances this is a bit harsh!
Jackie says
ALL DVC MEMBERS NEED to put their concerns in writing. I contacted member administration on 4/3/2020. I was advised to put all concerns in writing, by the contact persons manager, to go to the Member website, click the contact button & send an email regarding all concerns. I sent 2 because I have to member numbers. I have contacted every single person I know that’s a member.
Address loss of banked points, dues (why are we supporting closed resorts, operational costs have to be significantly less), value lost whether from loan payments or what the value was when you paid for your resort, shortened use year, future availability, etc. whatever you are concerned about as a member pertaining to this closing. We have more strength in numbers & we’re not all alone.
Good luck! May the Force be with you!
Susan says
Thank you for the information. I am a FL resident gold passholder, and concerned with the opening date(s). I have heard WDW will probably open in phases, with those 65+ encouraged to wait until Phase 3 (75+%). I am concerned about this, as I would think it would be safer for older folks at 50% capacity, plus who knows how long each phase will last? If they are weeks or months apart, will that mean older passholders will possibly lose weeks or months of availability? Have y’all heard any mention of this plan? Thank you….